Zanthoxylum schinifolium

RHS Plant Profile

mastic-leaf prickly ash

Shrubs

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A deciduous shrub to 2.5m tall, with spiny stems bearing pinnate leaves composed of 11-21 aromatic leaflets. The foliage turns golden yellow in autumn. In late summer it produces clusters of small, yellowy-green flowers; these are followed by spherical, red fruits that split to reveal glossy black seeds. The fruits are used as spice in Asian cuisine

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Rutaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Zanthoxylum are broadly rounded to upright, spiny, deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs. They have aromatic bark and leaves. Sprays of small green or yellow-green flowers appear in spring or summer, followed by small fruits that split to reveal seeds attached by short threads
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: China, Korea, Jap.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Low Maintenance

Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free